Construction projects are a part of our day-to-day lives. Unfortunately, trees, another important part of our lives may get damaged if their stems or branches are scraped, roots are cut, or the soil covering the roots is compressed during a construction.
If trees already exist in your Dallas property, take precautions before any construction starts, to increase their chances of survival. Here, we give you tips for protecting trees during construction so you can enjoy beautiful, healthy greenery in the years after.
4 Tips For Protecting Trees During Construction
You may be wondering, “How can we protect trees during construction?” Well, there are many ways to ensure protection of trees on development sites in Dallas. Here are a few:
1. Relocating Trees Around The Site
Contract a tree service Dallas company to identify trees you need to relocate. A tree expert should be able to advise you on whether a tree needs to be relocated or removed completely. If a tree is dying, moving it to a new location won’t help much; it would be better off cut down.
Also, if there are some trees that are rotting or hollow in the construction site, chances are good they will not survive being relocated; your best bet is simply removing them.
2. Having Tree Protection Posters
Post signs to say that you are protecting the tree. This will help warn the construction crew and reduce the possibility of damage from equipment. If possible, have the signs printed out and laminated; the more professional they appear, the more effective they are likely to be.
3. Keeping Trees Hydrated During Construction
Trees located near or within a construction site tend to dry out quickly. Care for these trees by watering them regularly. To ensure the best protection of trees on development sites, water weekly or biweekly. If you are doing your construction during winter, you will only need to water once a month.
4. Pruning Damaged Trees
Check your tree every week for signs of damage such as drooping or dead branches, scorched leaves, excessive winter dieback, or excessive needle shedding. If you find areas that look damaged or dead, prune them off. You can do this yourself or hire a professional tree pruning Texas service.
How Can We Protect Tree Roots?
To protect tree roots:
- Avoid compacting the soil that covers the roots with heavy vehicles. Trees’ roots are fragile and can easily be broken or harmed underground if heavy machinery drives over the surface above them.
- Estimate the critical root zone and make sure at least 50% is protected from the construction machinery. This will help the tree survive after construction.
- Have wood chips placed around the tree to help keep the soil underneath damp. A layer of wood chips will also keep the roots from harm if the soil above is compacted by a heavy machinery.
- Set up a barricade around the tree’s critical root zone. You can do this using metal posts and a brightly colored netting. Just make sure the blockade is clearly visible.
- If you are digging a trench, make sure the trench is at least 2.4 meters away from the stem. If possible, have the trench outside the tree protection zone.
Tree Service Removal Overview
Protecting trees during construction ensures that your property retains its glamor even after the construction. A damaged tree often has a higher risk of harboring tree diseases and pests and may become a hazard to the neighboring plants. Use the above tips to keep your trees out of harm during your construction project and ensure their survival thereafter.
